Washington Football Team The Underdog Against Cleveland Browns In NFL Week 3

So, here we are.

In NFL Week 3, the Washington Football Team finds themselves as significant underdogs by a full touchdown against the formerly struggling Cleveland Browns.

Yes, the Cleveland Browns.

In a state where there is no professional football team, the majority of Virginia has embraced the nearby Washington club as its preferred NFL team. Unfortunately, this loyalty has not been reciprocated in recent times.

Apart from the numerous off-the-field problems, which are abundant and concerning, Washington has also faced three consecutive losing seasons, with the most recent being a dreadful 3-13 performance in 2019. Furthermore, it has been a lengthy 15 years since the team last achieved victory in a playoff game.

Is it possible that 2020 will mark the year when the Washington Football Club secures its first Super Bowl championship since 1992?

Certainly, it’s a safe bet. However, considering the outcomes so far in early 2020, including the recent match against the Browns, it would be wise to wish for highly advantageous odds.

Washington vs. Cleveland Week 3 odds

The Washington Football Team, with a current record of 1-1, is heading to Cleveland for a Week 3 matchup on Sunday (Fox, 1 p.m.). However, both NFL oddsmakers and the betting public seem to underestimate their chances of winning.

The Browns, led by Baker Mayfield, started as 6.5-point favorites, but the early betting has pushed them up to -7 at most bookmakers. This line is available in nearby West Virginia and Washington, DC, where sports betting is permitted. It’s worth noting that the first Virginia sportsbooks are expected to go online in early 2021, just in time for the NFL playoffs.

Out of all the Week 3 matchups, the Washington vs. Cleveland game holds the second-largest line. The only match with a larger spread is the Indianapolis Colts (-11) vs. the New York Jets.

Cleveland is listed with odds ranging from -295 to -345 on the moneyline, while Washington offers odds of +255 to +275 for a potential comeback.

Throughout the week, the total has remained relatively consistent. Currently, the over/under ranges from 44 to 45, varying depending on the book. This total is among the lowest for Week 3.

Football Team vs. Browns breakdown

Washington secured a promising victory in Week 1, triumphing over the Philadelphia Eagles with a score of 27-17.

Led by quarterback Dwayne Haskins, the team staged a remarkable comeback from a 17-0 deficit, easily covering as 5.5-point underdogs. Nevertheless, in Week 2, they suffered a 30-15 loss to the Arizona Cardinals and failed to cover as 7-point underdogs.

Terry McLaurin, the receiver for Washington, has consistently stood out this season. With a total of 186 receiving yards, he particularly shone in Week 2 against the Cardinals, where he achieved an impressive 125-yard performance with one touchdown.

On the other hand, the Browns had a difficult start to the year in 2020, suffering a humiliating 38-6 defeat against the Baltimore Orioles, who were favored by 7 points. However, in Week 2, Cleveland redeemed themselves with an impressive 35-30 triumph over the Cincinnati Bengals, emerging victorious in the Battle of Ohio. Nevertheless, their attempt to cover as 6-point favorites was thwarted by a Bengals’ touchdown scored with just 46 seconds left on the clock.

In Week 1, the Browns’ offense appeared largely ineffective. Nevertheless, during Week 2’s Thursday Night Football showcase, quarterback Mayfield (219 yards, two TDs), running backs Nick Chubb (124 yards, two TDs) and Kareem Hunt (86 yards, one TD), along with receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (74 yards, one TD), managed to establish their groove.

If Washington’s defense can apply pressure on Mayfield similar to what they did to Wentz in Week 1, they might be able to secure an upset in Sunday’s game. Additionally, it is crucial for them to score early points, as this has been a challenge for them throughout the season.

Washington Football Team futures market

With a 1-1 start, Washington’s chances of winning Super Bowl LV remain unlikely, just as they were at the beginning of the 2020 season.

According to the current futures market, Washington is considered a long shot with odds of 120-1 (+12,000) to win the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season. On the other hand, Cleveland has better odds at +4,400.

Washington has 90-1 odds in the NFC Championship, placing them behind only the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants who have even worse odds of 120-1.

What can be said about the NFC East? Washington has a +1,200 chance of clinching the division title. Although they are trailing behind the Dallas Cowboys (-200) and Eagles (+240), they still have a better chance than the Giants (+2,100).

Other Week 3 matchups of interest in Virginia

Virginia football fans can look forward to an exciting Week 3 with their beloved NFL teams.

Carolina Panthers (+6.5) at Los Angeles Chargers

In their Sunday afternoon match-up at 4:05 p.m. on CBS, the Carolina Panthers (0-2) aim to secure their first victory of the year against the Los Angeles Chargers (1-1). Despite a late rally, the Panthers were thwarted by the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1. Furthermore, in Week 2, Carolina faced challenges with turnovers and penalties, resulting in a lackluster 31-17 defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Panthers, led by quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, are being given a 6.5 point advantage in their game against the Chargers. However, they will be missing one of their crucial players, running back Christian McCaffrey, who is unable to play due to a high ankle sprain.

Tennessee Titans (-2.5) at Minnesota Vikings

Despite being undefeated with wins against the Denver Broncos by a narrow two points in Week 1 and the Jacksonville Jaguars by just three points in Week 2, the Tennessee Titans (2-0) face a tough challenge on Sunday (CBS, 1 p.m. EST) against the Minnesota Vikings (0-2). The Vikings, despite their winless record, possess more potential than their current standing suggests.

Ryan Tannehill, the quarterback for the Titans, has had a promising start with 448 yards, 6 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. However, in order to secure the win and cover the 2.5-point spread, Tennessee is relying on their star running back Derrick Henry to regain his exceptional form from late 2019. Henry’s average of 3.6 yards per carry is crucial for the Titans as it propelled them into the AFC Championship game.